BOMBAY TIMES (January 9, 2018)

Over the years, Aanand L Rai has garnered appreciation and credibility as a filmmaker. His banner, Colour Yellow Productions, saw success twice in 2017 — with the quirky entertainer Shubh Mangal Saavdhan and India’s official entry to the Oscars, Newton.

Today, the filmmaker is collaborating with some talented actors and directors from across the board. The year started with a bang, with the teaser of Zero, Rai’s much-anticipated directorial with Shah Rukh Khan. He is also gearing up to release the Anurag Kashyap-directed Mukkabaaz on January 12, which is a love story of a boxer set in a small town. This will be followed by Manmarziyan, which will also be helmed by Anurag. Since Rai is synonymous with small-town romances, he will be releasing director Rahul Shanklya’s Nimmo, a small film with a big heart. Also awaited is Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, sequel to the 2016 hit Happy Bhag Jayegi. Directed by Mudassar Aziz, the film, which stars Sonakshi Sinha, promises double the dose of comedy. Rai is also collaborating with director Navdeep Singh (of NH10 fame) for a thriller, set in the late 18th century, which will see Saif Ali Khan playing a bounty hunter. Rai will once again be working with Newton director Amit Masurkar on another film that is expected to go on floors this year. Also in the pipeline is an unexpected comedy from Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’s writer Hitesh Kewalya and a riveting drama Heer scripted by Manmarziyan’s writer Kanika Dhillon.

On his part, Rai says, “2017 proved to be a successful year with entertaining and content-driven films doing well at the box office and 2018 looks equally promising with new collaborations. While we have been associated with family entertainers, we also want to present a gamut of genres to the audience. The process of scripting, casting, scouting for locations and putting together the entire project is very exciting and the team is ready and excited to start working with these immensely talented filmmakers.”

DNA (December 12, 2017)

A few days ago, there was news of Malayalam actor Dulquer Salmaan playing the lead role in Manmarziyan along side Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal. But now, we hear Dulqer is no longer a part of the film. Instead, the makers are said to have approached Abhishek Bachchan for the role. Must say, since its inception this film has been undergoing changes. Initially, it was to star Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar and directed by Sameer Sharma

However, after a portion of the shoot, the director was changed and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari took over the reins. But she also opted as she got busy with Bareilly Ki Barfii. So, the film was stuck and both Ayushmann and Bhumi got busy with their other films. Later, producer Aanand L Rai got Anurag Kashyap on board and revived the film.

Just when we thought the cast was in place with Taapsee, Vicky and Dulquer comes the news of Abhishek replacing the Malayalam film actor. Truly, this film has become only about manmarziyan!

MUMBAI MIRROR (December 4, 2017)

Mirror had earlier reported (November 25) that Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal will headline Anurag Kashyap's next directorial Manmarziyan, which is being produced by Aanand L Rai. The film is a love triangle that will kick off in January, most likely in Himachal Pradesh. Now, Mirror has learnt that the love triangle has found its third angle in South star Dulquer Salmaan.

According to a source close to the development, the film's team had been scouting for a second actor opposite Taapsee's character after Vicky came on board and Dulquer fits the bill perfectly. Meanwhile, Dulquer is gearing up for his Hindi debut with Akash Khurana's Karwaan, also featuring Irrfan Khan and Mithila Palkar. The film has Irrfan and him playing friends who are on a road trip that begins in Ooty.

Manmarziyan was announced in 2015 by Aanand L Rai, who is known to be possessive about his stories, with Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar in the lead with Sameer Sharma as the director. However, the love story was shelved shortly after when Rai realised they weren't on the same page. The producer then revived it with Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari before surprising everyone by taking it to Anurag Kashyap.

"Just because he's made a Gangs of Wasseypur doesn't mean Anurag doesn't understand love. I gave him a narration, he loved the script, but was busy with Mukkabaaz. I told him we would do both together. He could make my film after finishing his. This way I'd get satisfaction and he, lots of affection," Rai had told Mirror (August 7) in an earlier interview. Both Anurag and Rai remained unavailable for comment this time.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 25, 2017)

After a change of guard from filmmakers Sameer Sharma to Ashwini Iyer Tiwary, Aanand L Rai’s next production, Manmarziyan, eventually landed with Anurag Kashyap. Now, Mirror has learnt that the director is set to kick off the film, his first in the romantic genre, by January-end. Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal have been signed on to play the leads and the film’s team is currently on the lookout for a second hero to complete the love triangle.

A source close to the development reveals, “The film requires a winter setting and is most likely to kick off in Himachal Pradesh, but the team is still finalising locations. It is expected to be shot in a start-to-finish schedule and will be wrapped up by mid-March.”

The film was announced in 2015 by Aanand L Rai on the social media with Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar as leads.

The filmmaker remained unavailable for comment.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; November 17, 2017)

If all goes well, Vicky Kaushal and Taapsee Pannu will be paired together for director Anurag Kashyap’s brand new version of Manmarziyan. If one recalls, about two years ago, filmmaker Aanand L Rai had booted the project with director Sameer Sharma at the helm of affairs, and Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar headlining the cast. However, after a schedule, the film was put on the backburner for various creative reconsiderations.

Sameer was replaced by director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari who was expected to take over the project as her second film after Nil Battey Sanatta but it didn’t materialise. The project was then set aside. And now, we hear that when Anurag Kashyap was roped in to reboot the project, the team decided to not only have a fresh story but also a new lead pair to avoid baggage from the past. Vicky, who was also a part of Sameer Sharma’s version in a supporting role, has been roped in as the lead in the new version alongside Taapsee. The shoot will commence shortly.

We reached out to Aanand L Rai and Anurag Kashyap for a comment but they didn’t respond till we went to press.

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 24, 2017)

Soon after reports of filmmaker Vikas Bahl allegedly molesting a female colleague hit headlines in April, rumours of a rift between Bahl and the other members of the production house, Phantom Films, including Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane and Madhu Mantena also spread like wildfire. But Motwane refutes the rumours, claiming that no obstacle is strong enough to break them apart. “We boys are rock solid,” Motwane tells mid-day, adding, “Of course, there have been ups and downs, but things are good between us. Nothing is big enough to move us. Our production slate is a testament to the equation we share.”

The filmmaker adds that the team of four has a number of projects lines up in the near future, which should quell rumours of a split. “We are collaborating with Netflix and Amazon Prime. I believe that our work should speak for us. Give it time, answers will be found.”

It was suggested that Kashyap was among the wishing to part ways from the company, with news about his collaboration with Aanand L Rai for Manmarziyan, giving credence to the rumours. But Motwane points out, “After Manmarziyan, Anurag’s next, Mukkebaaz, will be produced by Phantom only. We are too busy focusing on the good work that needs to done to think about these rumours.”

Motwane, who is currently in the midst of the post-production work for his vigilante film, Bhavesh Joshi, featuring Harshvardhan Kapoor, might also helm Sacred Games, the Netflix originals series starring Saif Ali Khan, adapted from Vikram Chandra’s bestseller by the same name. “Saif likes us a lot, and thus, he came aboard. We are extremely excited about it.”

After losing 30 kg, Bhumi Pednekar is out to surprise and how
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 3, 2017)

The actress on her next release, working with Akshay Kumar and reuniting with Ayushmann Khurrana in Shubh Mangal Savdhan
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; May 3, 2017)

She has been missing in action on screen since her debut film Dum Laga Ke Haisha in 2015. But that will change this year as Bhumi Pednekar has not one, but two releases and that too, almost back-to-back! Both Toilet - Ek Prem Katha, in which she pairs with Akshay Kumar and Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, which has her reuniting with her Dum Laga Ke Haisha co-star Ayushmann Khurrana, will hit the screens in August and the actress can’t wait to see the response to both. Here, she talks about her next release, shooting for the two films, and playing strong characters...

It’s been two years since you made your debut with Dum Laga Ke Haisha. Don’t you feel the gap has been too long?
Not really. After Dum Laga Ke Haisha, I did need some time to knock off my weight (she had put on for her debut film) and I was lucky to get that. After that in the last one year, I have been shooting back-to-back for Toilet - Ek Prem Katha (TEPK) and Shubh Mangal Savdhan (SMS). In fact, I have been away from home for the last seven months and returned to Mumbai only a few days ago after wrapping up SMS.

You must have been feeling homesick?
While it’s amazing to be back in Mumbai — I love the heat and humidity — I am more happy being on the sets! I don’t feel homesick when I am away. Mom comes to visit me and I FaceTime with my sister all the time. Since I love home-made food, I have a cook, who prepares home-style food. I have been eating pure vegetarian poushtik food.

Apart from TEPK and SMS, you were also doing Manmarziyan with Ayushmann Khurrana? What went wrong with that film?
It’s on the backburner. But I really hope that this film gets made with whoever, whenever because the script is fantastic. The audience must get to see this beautiful film.

The fact that the film got stalled must have been a setback for you.
Not really. I was lucky enough to have signed other projects while Manmarziyan was happening. I had signed TEPK, so apart from the three-four months that I sat at home because Manmarziyan got pushed or didn’t happen, there was no setback. TEPK is on track except for the release being pushed by a few months and it was a great experience.

Were you nervous about working with Akshay Kumar?
I was more nervous about starting my next film. It was a positive nervous energy as a performer, as an actor. Akshay is so amazing, professional and inspiring. By just being around him you get to learn a lot. He has achieved so much, yet is grounded, punctual and passionate about his craft. Even at this stage he puts so many hours and poures his heart and soul into it. He is as excited about his work as he must have been 25 years ago!

What appealed to you about your role in the film?
Toilet — Ek Prem Katha is my relaunch. I am stepping away from a role that people strongly associate me with. My role in Dum Laga Ke Haisha had a big impact on people. I can’t speak much about the character I play, but she does many revolutionary things — it’s a revoulutionary film. There’s a lovely innocent love story, too. And my character is strong. Also, it gave me the chance to work with Akshay Sir, Neeraj Sir and my director (Shree Narayan Singh). The film conveys a strong message. I believe in doing films that do not necessarily have a message or are preachy, but are impactful.

What about Shubh Mangal Savdhan? Does it also have you playing a strong character?
Yes, I think I naturally attract strong roles. It could be because of my first film and that’s a great thing. Also, when I read scripts, I choose those that have characters with some sort of an inner strength. It’s subconscious. So, I guess it’s a combination of both. In this film my character may not have the biggest dreams or aims in life, but she fights her way for love and doesn’t succumb to pressure. It was a great experience shooting for it. I had a blast.

Did reuniting with Ayushmann on screen make things easy?
Definitely. I am sure part of the fun was because of him. We are great friends and complement each other well as actors. It’s easy working with him. He is a big positive energy. We have become closer and I look up to him a lot. We have no inhibitions and are open about everything. And, that honesty transforms on screen. He is constantly cracking jokes. He is blessed with a great sense of humour. I call him the king of PJs. Some of his jokes are bizarre! He just fits somebody’s name into a song and starts singing.

Do you see any growth in you as an actor now?
I think I have become more confident. The more you work and gain experience, the more your craft is polished. Right now, I am critical of my work.

Shubh Mangal Savdhan is a remake of Tamil film Kalyana Samaya Saadhal. Have you seen It?
No, I deliberately chose to not see it. Also, it’s not exactly a remake apart from the one-line story. After my film releases I will watch it because it is directed by the same director Prasanna. I would love to see the Tamil interpretation of the film.

The film deals with the subject of erectile dysfunction and you have to walk a thin line between being sensitive and funny. How did you approach it?
It’s about a couple and their respective families dealing with the issue of erectile dysfunction as compared to a boy who deals with it alone. It’s been handled with a lot of clean humour and sensitivity. It is not slapstick and the problem hasn’t been made fun of. It’s just an element of our film amongst other things. It’s primarily a story about a young couple that believes in the institution of love over and above other needs and wants of life.

When will we see you playing the glamorous Bolly heroine?
Once I get a good script in that commercial and glamorous space. I have grown up watching such films and that’s what inspired me to be an actor! I love it and I want to do it all.

No release in two years and two films releasing in one month. Your thoughts?
I am both nervous and excited, and want to see people’s reaction to this Bhumi — the way I am!

Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; March 18, 2017)

While she made a dream Bollywood debut as Babita Phogat in Aamir Khan's 'Dangal' (2016), Sanya Malhotra's journey in the industry hasn't been a cakewalk. Few would know that the actress, who is a trained ballet dancer, moved to Mumbai from Delhi four years ago, when she was shortlisted for a dance-based reality show. However, when that didn't work out, she stayed back to pursue acting and featured in TV commercials. After wrapping 'Dangal', Sanya interned at Aamir's production company. And now, she has been signed as choreographer for the superstar's next production, 'Secret Superstar'.

Speaking to mid-day, Sanya says, “When Advait Chandan [debutante director] asked me to choreograph a sequence for Aamir sir, I was ecstatic. I never imagined doing something so wonderful. I first got to play his on-screen daughter, and now I was choreographing steps for him. What more can I ask for.” She adds that training Aamir wasn't difficult. “Even if the steps were tough, he would never back out. He practised and killed it like a professional dancer,” says Sanya.

On the acting front, buzz suggested that Sanya was approached for Anurag Kashyap's next, 'Manmarziyan'. But she neither confirmed nor denied the news. “They aren't rumours, but I haven't signed it yet. I am positive that I am going to get something soon,” says the actress.

DNA (December 8, 2016)

Aanand L Rai’s production Manmarziyan starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar might not see the light of the day.

After Hrs earlier reported that two directors have already walked out of the film. Says a source, “Ayushmann and Bhumi are now busy with their respective films Bareilly Ki Barfi and Toilet Ek Prem Katha. Aanand himself being a director, is a difficult man to please and no other director wants to take up the thankless job.”

So maybe the producer will have to direct the film himself.

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 15, 2016)

Aanand L Rai who had commissioned Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana director Sameer Sharma to helm his next production, the romance-drama Manmarziyan featuring Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar, scrapped the film after seeing rushes from the first schedule in Shimla and Punjab. According to him, they didn’t do justice to Kanika Dhillon’s script.

Next up, Nil Battey Sannata director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari was brought on board to rework the script and start afresh in Mumbai and Chandigarh. Once again Aanand didn’t like what had been shot and decided to put the love story, set in Punjab, on hold, indefinitely.

Meanwhile a couple of meetings between Aanand and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap over the last two months have culminated in a two-film deal. Interestingly, in line with Aanand’s brand of cinema, Anurag who is known for championing gritty, intense dramas or off-beat thrillers will direct two romance-dramas for his production house with Aanand mentoring. Buzz is, Anurag will also be having a look at the script of Manmarziyan.

Aanand L Rai’s spokesperson confirmed the news.

The producer of films like Tanu Weds Manu and Madaari talks about his 10-year journey in Bollywood
Sonil Dedhia (BOMBAY TIMES; August 10, 2016)

Sonil Dedhia (BOMBAY TIMES; August 3, 2016)

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; August 2, 2016)

Looks like Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar-starrer Manmarziyan is jinxed. After overcoming teething troubles earlier this year followed by a change of director, the actor seems to be rethinking the film now.

Says a source, “The two actors shot with director Sameer Sharma in Shimla and parts of Punjab as part of the first schedule earlier this year. However, producer Aanand L Rai was apparently not happy with the rushes and the film was delayed.” Adds the source, “Later, Sharma chose to walk out of the project owing to creative differences with the makers and Rai brought in Ashwiny Iyer Tiwary to helm the project.” It is said that due to the constant delay, Ayushmann is now concentrating on his other project — Meri Pyaari Bindu with Parineeti Chopra.

Says another source, “Despite Ashwiny coming on board, there is no clarity on the fate of the film. This is Bhumi’s second outing after the critically acclaimed Dum Laga Ke Haisha and her dramatic makeover. However, it looks like she will have to wait a while. Ayushmann, on the other hand, is now rethinking the project and shooting for Meri Pyaari Bindu. He is yet to get back to the team with his dates.”

Sources close to the project also reveal that the makers want to capture the North Indian winter, which is why the film has been put on the backburner.

The film, a love triangle, also features Vicky Kaushal, who was last seen in Raman Raghav 2.0.

Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari who takes over from Sameer Sharma on her plans for her second directorial, Aanand L Rai's Ayushmann and Bhumi-starrer romcom
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 25, 2016)

Filmmaker Aanand L Rai on why he is in love with his leading man, Shah Rukh Khan, and how his creative process makes him vulnerable
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 24, 2016)

Two years after his Tanu Weds Manu (2011) set the cash registers ringing, producer-director-writer Aanand L Rai resurfaced with his Dhanush- Sonam Kapoor starrer, Raanjhanaa, following up with the Tanu-Manu sequel two years later. His next is a "seed that has just been planted". Featuring Shah Rukh Khan, the yet-untitled project which, by Rai's own admission, is an extremely difficult film, both emotionally and technically. "Shah Rukh plays a dwarf and it is going to be a lot of hard work and patience," the filmmaker informs Mirror, adding that it usually takes him twothree years to complete a film and this one is also going to take time "It can also be attributed to my laziness," he jokes.

The film is a full-fledged love story or as Rai describes it, "a family entertainer with lots of romance". Prod him on the cast and he quips, "Someone great once said that there are no bad actors, only bad directors', and I believe that. My films should bring out the unsaid conversations and interactions between characters. In Raanjhanaa, everyone identified with Dhanush's character, Kundan, a lovelorn boy while in Tanu Weds Manu Returns, we explored Kangana's (Ranaut) Datto, a woman with lots of grey shades. My next explores these unique exchanges of love as well."

Himanshu Sharma, his co-writer and he are currently scripting the film. Ask him about his leading man and Rai gushes, "Meeting the man makes you believe that nothing can beat experience! He has seen life not just as an actor but also as a person. He is large-hearted, intelligent and has a great understanding of human beings. I am in love with him."

It's the story of a man who is just three-feet-one-inch tall. "Nobody understands ordinariness better than Mr Khan. I'm looking forward to seeing him in the dwarf avatar," he says.

Ask him how he deals with scepticism around his choice of actor and Rai says, "My problem with the creative process is that it grows into something extremely personal, it makes me vulnerable. I like my story to breathe. In return, I trust people and I think I have won their trust."

Point out that his last release, the Swara Bhaskar-starrer Nil Battey Sannata was a critical success but didn't really make much money at the box office, and the filmmaker says curtly, "That's not true. It has done brilliantly commercially and was a heart-warming experience for everybody. At 45 years, after 10-12 films and 23 years in the industry, I have realised that we cannot cheat viewers."

Meanwhile, Rai is producing Manmarziyan, which reunites Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar and he has replaced original director Sameer Sharma after a month with Nil Battey Sannata helmer Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari taking over next month. "Four right people with a right script can't assure a great film. When a film is not shaping up according to plans, it is best to repair than regret later. Sameer is a dear friend, I trust and love him and I will work with him on another film soon. We are planning something together," Rai explains.

Apart from another production slated to release later this year, Happy Bhaag Jayegi, featuring Abhay Deol, Diana Penty and Ali Fazal, Rai is also re-uniting with his Raanjhana actor Dhanush, but only for a special appearance in the upcoming, Nimmo which revolves around a young boy. "This film is an experiment as I want to emotionally exploit a delicate topic. It is a small budget film with a large heart," he smiles. And what about Tanu Weds Manu 3? "If I have a story, I will write a script and make the film. There is no story right now," he signs off.

The actor is getting tutored in the language for his next film by two teachers
Upala KBR (DNA; May 5, 2016)


Two-fold approach
Set in Kolkata, MPB is the story of an aspiring singer and her love for Ayushmann’s character, who belongs to Bengal’s genteel class, known as bhadralok. Ayushmann is playing a Bengali for the first time, so he’s sparing no effort to make sure that he becomes fluent in the language before he begins shooting this month in Kolkata. Says a source, “He has two Bengali teachers — Professor Mitra from Delhi and actor Shamoun Ahmed from Calcutta. The idea was not just to have a tutor to help Ayush just learn the language, but also be in sync with West Bengal’s culture too. Thus, understanding the mindset of the young people of Kolkata, which is what Shamoun is helping him do.”

But, first...
Ayushmann confirms, “Yes, I am learning to speak the language. I won’t be a typical Bengali babu, but pretty much an urban lad with cosmopolitan friends. I have been to Kolkata many times.” But his Bengali lessons are on hold for the actor as he’s currently in Australia performing for shows. “I will be singing my singles there. Australia was uncharted territory for me and I really wanted to go there as there is a great Indian diaspora who stays there, specially Punjabis, for whom I wanted to perform. I have performed in the UK before and will be going to the USA later this year, so I wanted to explore Australia this time.”

And then...
After the shoot of Meri Pyaari Bindu is completed, the actor will begin shooting for Manmarziyaan in August. Initially directed by Sameer Sharma, the film has changed hands after differences erupted between producer Aanand L Rai and Sameer. Ayushmann confirms, “Now the director has changed and the film has a new vision. Manmarziyan is being directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, whose last release Nil Battey Sannata got rave reviews. I am really excited to work with Ashwiny.”

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 16, 2016)

Mirror had earlier reported (March 22) that Manmarziyan, a romance-drama reuniting Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar after Dum Laga Ke Haisha, which enjoyed a successful stint at the box-office, had been put on hold.

Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana director, Sameer Sharma, had to step out of the project, following differences with producer Aanand L Rai. "But there is no controversy here! Kanika Dhillon (story, dialogue, screenplay writer) has penned a fabulous love story and while shooting, I realised that the actors, director and producer were not in sync. Sameer is a good friend and we had an honest conversation. I told him that we shouldn't push this too hard, since, we didn't seem to be moving in the right direction. It was a simple call, which was not easy to make. In the end, filmmaking is a storytellers medium," Rai reasons.

Now, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, who is making her directorial debut with the Swara Bhaskar-Ratna Pathak Shah drama, Nil Battey Sannata, which Rai is producing, will helm Manmarziyan.

Shooting will resume in Punjab at the end of July. "Ashwiny is from the ad world and her sensibilities are in place. I've followed her work and she'll do a good job," Rai signs off.

Producer Aanand L Rai not too happy with rushes shot in Punjab; a new director may take over
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 22, 2016)